Water-efficient technology takes centre stage

Leading southern African cleaning equipment supplier, Goscor Cleaning Equipment , notes that water-efficient cleaning equipment has become more sought-after, especially considering the persistent water use restrictions and permitting challenges.

To manage a sustainable contract cleaning business, efficiency is undoubtedly one of the key pieces of the puzzle. Industrial and commercial cleaners are seeking efficiency in everything they buy, especially water-efficiency, given that it has become a very scarce natural resource, not only in South Africa, but across the world. Consequently, Gregory Venter, MD of Goscor Cleaning Equipment (GCE), reports that there is a growing demand for innovative cleaning technologies to conserve water.

Water-saving has never been this important. In recent years, water has become a pressing issue. For instance, South Africa needs to invest at least R33-billion each year for the next 10 years to ensure water security, or run the risk of dams running dry, according to the Department of Water and Sanitation. The recent drought conditions in some of the provinces in South Africa, mainly the Western and Eastern Cape regions, are clear signs that the water crisis reality is hitting home.

‘It is, therefore, imperative for water-intensive businesses to start investigating ways to reduce their consumption. At GCE, we have always been ahead of the curve when it comes to the provision of top quality water-saving cleaning technologies that can boost our customers’ profitability. For example, within our Tennant range, we have two technologies – ec-H2O NanoClean and ES (Extended Scrubbing) – that definitely set a new era in water efficiency,’ explains Venter.

Leading tech

Venter notes that ‘Detergent-free’ cleaning is a big trend in the commercial cleaning sector as the professional cleaning industry continues to find ways to get the better of water woes.

For example, with Tennant’s ec-H2O NanoClean technology – which electrically converts water into an innovative, detergent-free solution that cleans effectively – customers can save money, while reducing their environmental impact compared with daily floor cleaning chemicals. ‘The converted water is created by an on-board e-cell that generates millions of tiny microscopic bubbles known as nanobubbles that promote the cleaning efficacy of the solution,’ says Venter.

GCE also offers Tennant’s Extended Scrubbing (ES) technology, which recycles cleaning solutions through a three-stage filtering system, to extend scrubbing time. ‘Scrubber-dryers equipped with the ES system can recycle cleaning solutions, resulting in extended scrubbing uptime and improved productivity. This allows for scrubbing and decreased water consumption and disposal by up to 66 percent,’ he says.

Away from Tennant, GCE also offers Kaivac’s OmniFlex Dispense-and-Vac system, which is ideal for the heaviest soil and grease conditions. It dispenses very little water with a spigot and agitating brush. Apart from being up to 60 times better at removing soil and contaminants than mopping, it also uses considerably less water than a conventional spaghetti mop, for example.

‘Previously, the focus on efficiency has largely been placed on energy efficiency. While saving energy is important, conserving water is equally, if not more important. Using less water keeps money in your pocket. By utilising basic water conservation techniques, you are able to save thousands of litres of water each year. Bear in mind that the world has limited supplies of fresh water, and surely every drop counts,’ concludes Venter.